EUREKA — In its latest effort to provide affordable options to students, Eureka College's Board of Trustees voted to freeze room and board fees for the 2014-2015 academic year.

Trustees and administrators for the college settled on this decision after determining that—despite the college’s new residence facilities—students were opting to live at home.

“We know our students, and our students are very cost-sensitive,” said Eureka College President J. David Arnold. “It’s still a pressure point for students and families, so much so that some students are staying at home and commuting.”

Last October, the board approved another cost-saving mechanism when it voted to freeze tuition costs for the next academic year, marking the second time in the past 10 years the college has passed such a measure.

Arnold said the last time tuition froze, in 2005-2006, enrollment received a boost, and the college expects a similar result next year.

Average housing costs will remain at $4,100 depending on which residence hall a student lives in, and the standard meal plan will stay put at $4,400. The $20,060 total tuition cost for the academic year also will not change. These savings will mate with the sizable institutional aid Eureka College offers to students as each incoming freshman receives an average of $15,000 to $18,000 in financial aid.

Tuition hikes at Eureka College the past several years have been miniscule enough to avoid criticism from parents, but next year is seen as an advantageous one to stand pat.

“We thought it would be good year to reset,” Arnold said.

Thomas Bruch can be reached at 686-3188 or tbruch@pjstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @ThomasBruch.